lok sabha election
– Photo: Amar Ujala
Expansion
The limit on election expenditure in Lok Sabha elections has increased almost four times in the last two decades. At the same time, candidates of different political parties are spending five to six times in elections. Candidates will be able to spend up to Rs 95 lakh in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.
In Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the limit of state-wise election expenditure is decided by the Election Commission of India according to the population of the state and the number of voters. Candidates cannot spend more than the prescribed limit during elections. This includes the expenses of the candidate’s public meetings, rallies, advertisements, posters, banners, vehicles and advertisements.
In the Lok Sabha elections 2004, the election expenditure limit was Rs 30 lakh. Which has been increased to Rs 95 lakh for the upcoming elections. In the first general elections in the country in 1951, Rs 10.5 crore was spent on elections. Which increased to Rs 6600 crore in 2019.
Rates are decided by inflation index
The Election Commission of India had formed a committee in 2020 to increase the limit on election expenditure. On the report of the committee, the election expenditure limit has been increased from Rs 70 to Rs 95 lakh. The limit on election expenditure is decided on the basis of inflation index. Expenditure limits are decided based on the increase in prices of services and goods over the years.
